Royal Air Force
The Royal Air Force (RAF) serves as the aerial warfare branch of the British Armed Forces and is one of the oldest independent air forces in the world. It holds a prominent position within the United Kingdom's defense strategy, serving not only in the defense of British airspace but also in fulfilling the country's international commitments. With a focus on multi-role capabilities, the RAF operates a range of advanced aircraft including the Eurofighter Typhoon for air superiority and the F-35B Lightning II for stealth and ground-attack roles.
Technologically, the RAF is among the most advanced air forces globally. It has a history of pioneering developments in aviation technology and tactics, from radar systems during World War II to the implementation of cutting-edge drones and cyber capabilities today. This positions the RAF as a key player not only in conventional warfare but also in emerging domains of conflict.
Strategically, the RAF operates within a complex web of alliances, most notably NATO. Its responsibilities extend to power projection and expeditionary warfare, often in coalition with allies. For example, it has participated in various conflict zones such as Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya, showcasing its adaptability and readiness for different mission profiles.
However, the RAF faces challenges that are part and parcel of modern military operations. Budget constraints have led to debates about the fleet size and scope of its capabilities. Additionally, the political implications of Britain's exit from the European Union cast some uncertainty over future defense collaborations and resource sharing, although NATO remains the cornerstone of the RAF's international engagement.
In the context of the 'Global Britain' strategy, the RAF is expected to take on an increasingly global role. This is evidenced by Britain's new aircraft carriers, which, while primarily naval assets, are also platforms for the F-35B, thus augmenting the RAF’s power projection capabilities.
The Royal Air Force remains a formidable and flexible force, capable of meeting a wide range of strategic objectives. However, it faces pressing challenges that include technological threats, budgetary constraints, and a shifting geopolitical landscape. Addressing these will be crucial for the RAF to maintain its position as one of the leading air forces in the world.
Key facts
| Official Name | Royal Air Force |
| Country | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
| World rank | #17 |
| Active aircrafts | 668 (as of 2024) |
| Aircrafts on order | 162 |
| Roundel |
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Number of active aircrafts by type
| Aircraft type | Active | |
|---|---|---|
| Helicopters | 238 | |
| Training | 212 | |
| Combat aircrafts | 145 | |
| Transport | 42 | |
| Special missions | 22 | |
| Tankers | 9 | |
Aircrafts most used by British air forces
| Aircraft | Active | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typhoon | 119 | European multirole fighter, renowned for service in multinational military operations since late 20th century, noted for superior air-to-air and air-to-surface capabilities. | |
| G-115 | 90 | German training aircraft, extensively utilized for United Kingdom's Royal Air Force Cadets and military aviation worldwide since the 1980s. | |
| AW159 | 59 | British multi-role helicopter, deployed for battlefield utility, search and rescue, and anti-submarine warfare since modern warfare era. | |
| CH-47 Chinook | 57 | American tandem rotor helicopter, synonymous with heavy-lift operations, crucial in conflicts including Vietnam and Afghanistan. | |
| AW101 | 39 | British-Italian medium-lift helicopter, notable for search and rescue, anti-submarine warfare, and troop transport operations globally since the early 2000s. | |
| Hawk | 38 | British trainer jet, distinguished in Red Arrows aerobatic team, extensively operational since the 1970s worldwide. | |
| H135M / EC365 | 34 | European light utility helicopter, prominent in law enforcement, medical services, and military operations worldwide since the late 20th century. | |
| AH-64 Apache | 33 | American attack helicopter, developed during the Cold War, most famous for significant deployments in Gulf War and Afghanistan conflict. | |
| F-35 Lightning II | 26 | American multirole stealth fighter, developed in the early 21st century, extensively deployed in global military operations. | |
| G-120 | 23 | German trainer aircraft, utilized worldwide for military pilot training, developed in the late 20th century. | |
Full inventory in 2024
Army Air Corps
| Aircraft Type | Model | Active | Ordered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helicopters | AH-64D/E | 33 | 28 |
| AW159 | 27 | ||
| SA341 | 17 | ||
| AS365 | 6 | ||
| H135 | 5 | 5 | |
| Bell 212 (Draken Europe) | 3 |
Royal Air Force
| Aircraft Type | Model | Active | Ordered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combat aircrafts | Eurofighter Typhoon | 119 | |
| F-35B | 26 | 111 | |
| Helicopters | CH-47 HC3/4/5/6/MH-47G | 57 | 14 |
| SA330 Puma HC2 | 19 | ||
| Bell 412 (Draken Europe) (SAR) | 3 | ||
| AW109 | 1 | ||
| Special missions | 737 (E-7A) (AEW) | 3 | |
| 737 (P-8A) (MPA) | 9 | ||
| King Air 350 (Recce) | 6 | ||
| RC-135W (ELINT) | 3 | ||
| Tankers | A330 MRTT | 9 | |
| Training | G115 (Babcock) | 90 | |
| H135 (Airbus Helicopters UK) | 29 | ||
| Hawk T2 | 28 | ||
| G120TP (Affinity) | 23 | ||
| T-6C (Affinity) | 14 | ||
| Hawk T1 | 10 | ||
| H145 (Airbus Helicopters UK) | 7 | ||
| Phenom 100 (Affinity) | 5 | ||
| Transport | A400M | 18 | 1 |
| C-130J | 15 | ||
| C-17 | 8 | ||
| A330 | 1 |
Royal Navy
| Aircraft Type | Model | Active | Ordered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helicopters | AW101 Merlin HC4/4A/HM2 | 35 | |
| AW159 AH1/HMA2 | 32 | ||
| Special missions | AW101 Merlin HM2 (AEW) | 4 | |
| Training | King Air 350 (Ascent) | 4 | |
| AS365 (British Intl Helicopters) | 2 |